By: Courtney G. Clifford

For as long as I can remember, I’ve found peace in nature—whether it’s the ocean, walking barefoot through cool green grass, trail running, or watching sunsets. In those moments, my mind stills, my breath deepens, and my spirit exhales.

Especially during times of trauma or overwhelm, grounding, (sometimes called earthing) or simply immersing myself in nature has been the most powerful way to calm my nervous system. It’s not just emotional—it’s physical. I immediately feel shoulders soften, head lighten, and tension melt out of my body.

Now my children often ask to go walk in the grass or play outdoors when they're upset. I watch their faces shift, their bodies relax, and I know they’re learning something ancient and true: the Earth itself can hold us.

Nature Is Medicine—And Science Agrees

What Is Grounding?

Grounding refers to direct contact with the Earth’s surface—through bare feet, hands, or even lying down on natural ground. Multiple studies have found that grounding:

Reduces inflammation, pain, and stress
Supports better sleep and energy
Helps balance cortisol levels
Enhances recovery after physical exertion

📖 A 2019 review of 20 clinical studies found that grounding produces “profound, systemic” health improvements, often rapidly. Researchers even suggest it should be included in preventive health strategies (Chevalier et al., 2019).

🌲 What About Forest Bathing?

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” involves mindfully immersing yourself in a natural environment. It’s not about exercising, it’s being present with nature.

Science shows it leads to:

Lower blood pressure and heart rate
Decreased cortisol (stress hormone)
Boosted immune response (especially NK cell activity)
Improved mood and focus

One review found that even short visits to nature (under 30 minutes) significantly reduced anxiety, especially in younger people (Kotera et al., 2020).

🌱 Why It Works

Sensory Restoration: Nature gently captures our attention—think birdsong, rustling leaves, running water—which allows the more focused, effortful parts of our brain to rest. This is known as Attention Restoration Theory.
Physiological Shifts: Contact with green (plants) and blue (water) environments has been shown to lower cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure, while activating our parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” system.
Mood and Immunity Boost: Simple acts such as walking barefoot, breathing in forest air, or lying on grass, can elevate mood, ease anxiety, and even enhance immune function.

Encinitas — Refreshing ocean swim in Encintas

Creation Invites Us to Rest

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
— Isaiah 55:12

There’s something sacred about being outside, about being reminded that we’re not separate from nature, but part of it. It’s no wonder that even just touching grass, feeling the wind, or hearing birdsong helps us come home to ourselves.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
— Lao Tzu

Try This: A Sunset Pause Challenge

This week, gift yourself 5 quiet minutes at sunset. Step outside—no phone, no agenda. Just breathe and notice the sky shifting. Let it be a soft ritual. A way to honor the close of the day and realign your heart. When I do this with my toddlers, we are as quiet as possible and listen for all the sounds we can hear. After the 5 minutes, we tell each other all the sounds we heard, such as birds, wind, bugs, cars in the distance, etc.

Let’s Make It a Practice

If you try the sunset pause this week, let me know how it felt. Sometimes, 5 minutes outside is all it takes to start again.

🌟 Takeaway

Grounding and nature bathing aren’t just poetic ideas; they’re supported by science and woven into the fabric of our design. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, your toes in the sand, or 5 quiet minutes at sunrise or sunset, nature has the power to restore what the world wears down.

Your healing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of stepping outside.

Sources:

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., & Oschman, J. L. (2019). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Journal of Inflammation Research.
Kotera, Y., Richardson, M., & Sheffield, D. (2020). Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy on mental health: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

Finding Peace Through Grounding & Nature Baths